This creamy basil chicken sauce is a delicious addition to any meal! With fresh basil and rich cream, it brings a comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love to serve this sauce over pasta or rice! It’s quick to make and makes any weeknight dinner feel special. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts are perfect for this dish, but you can substitute thighs if you prefer more flavor and juiciness. Diced tofu can also work for a vegetarian option!
Heavy Cream: This is essential for that rich creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream like coconut cream. Just know it may slightly alter the flavor!
Fresh Basil: Fresh is best for flavor! If you don’t have it, feel free to use dried basil, but use only about one teaspoon as it’s more concentrated. Don’t skip this ingredient—it makes the sauce pop!
Parmesan Cheese: For an easy substitution, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. If you like a bolder flavor, an aged cheddar can add a nice twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Not Watery?
The secret to a perfect creamy sauce is to control the heat and the timing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat when adding the cream—too high can cause it to separate.
- Simmer gently after adding the cheese; this encourages it to melt smoothly. Stir occasionally!
- If your sauce isn’t thickening, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water. Start with a teaspoon, mixing well until you get your desired consistency.
Follow these tips, and you’ll create a luscious sauce every time! Enjoy cooking!
Creamy Basil Chicken Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and another 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 25 minutes making this delicious sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but tasty enough to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, if there’s not enough oil left, add a touch more. Now, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir them so they don’t burn!
3. Create the Sauce Base:
Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan—this means you’ll scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds lots of flavor! After that, reduce the heat to medium and mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes; you’ll notice the sauce thickening.
4. Add the Flavorful Finishes:
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient—chopped basil! Stir it in along with the previously cooked chicken, and mix well to coat everything in that luscious sauce. If you choose to use lemon juice for a bit of brightness or red pepper flakes for heat, add those in now as well.
5. Final Cooking:
Allow it all to cook together for another 2 minutes, so the flavors meld nicely. Taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy, aromatic, and totally irresistible!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy basil chicken sauce hot over a bed of pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every bite of this satisfying dish!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your creamy basil chicken sauce!
FAQ for Creamy Basil Chicken Sauce Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy basil chicken sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid the sauce separating.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you want to add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe, or consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick!
